Questions over more consultation on Newcastle nightlife

Newcastle Council says it is important to find out what the community wants from its city at night to ensure any future plans meet the needs of residents.

A six week consultation has started today on Newcastle After Dark, which is looking at the city's night-time economy.

The discussion paper looks at a variety of issues including safety, night-time activities and transport.

Council spokeswoman Jill Gaynor says they want feedback from the community before proceeding with any formal plans.

"One of the things we did when we started was go and talk to the people at the City of Sydney," she said.

"They're probably the national leaders in looking at their economy after dark.

"One of their learnings, rather than going straight into the details of development control plan, was allowing people to have their say."

"We want to get it right and we think talking to the people that use the city is certainly an important ingredient in getting it right."

Matthew Endacott, who last year gathered more than 4 thousand signatures on a petition calling for improved nightlife in Newcastle, says while he welcomes community input, there has already been enough discussion.

"The community have told Council what they want," he said.

"Four and a half thousand people don't sign a petition for small bars, to then go back on the discussion and talk about well what would you like to see in your night time economy.

"We've given signals.

"What's really started to frustrate people is that we have had it.

"We don't want to talk about it anymore, we want to see it on the streets.

"I feel that Council has wasted a lot of material and a lot of dialogue that has already happened."

Mr Endacott says the community has already spoken.

"I am worried that we could have already had this consultation," he said.

"The community has told council what they want.

"I will make a submission.

"I would be stupid not to .

"I am worried that a lot of people that were initially supportive of the idea of changing Newcastle's night life have become a little bit disillusioned and like a lot of other things we have not had a single bar open on the way of the petition."